Abstract
‘Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights’.
Pauline R Kezer
Readers will observe a variety of changes to Prosthetics and Orthotics International in terms of a new publisher, a new Editor-in-Chief, and a new Editorial Team. Perhaps the most eye-catching change is the set-up and presentation of the journal in general. One thing that has not altered however is the constant reminder of the heritage of Prosthetics and Orthotics International’s aims and objectives. For over 30 years, the primary goal of the journal has been to provide the prosthetic and orthotic and other health-science-based communities with timely, practical, and high-quality readable information. From its inception till now, it is evident that the journal has evolved and grown in stature within the fields of orthopaedics and rehabilitation. It is also clear that Prosthetics and Orthotics International has and continues to be responsive to the demands created by the growth of evidenced-based-practice and research. The journal’s primary goal is set to continue into 2011 and beyond by publishing unbiased, comprehensive, scientific, and clinically relevant articles.
As stated earlier, the launch of Prosthetics and Orthotics International 2011 brings a new Editorial Team. Dr Dick Plattenburg (The Netherlands) continues as an Associate Editor and is joined by new appointments: Dr Michael Callaghan (UK), Dr Edward Lemaire (Canada), Dr Aaron Leung (Hong Kong) and Dr Samuel L Phillips (USA). The membership of the Editorial Board has been expanded to reflect leaders from various disciplines across the world, both of which represent the multidisciplinary nature and international status of the journal. Prosthetics and Orthotics International was founded and initially developed by Professor Norman Jacobs, Professor John Hughes and Ron Donovan. Dr Margrit Meier and her Editorial Team continued the development of journal and successfully implemented an online system of submission of manuscripts. This has not only increased efficiency of the whole process, but brings the journal in line with its competitors. As with many journals, Prosthetics and Orthotics International is dependent on the expertise of reviewers, who give up their valuable time without remuneration to review submitted manuscripts. We are indebted to all reviewers and welcome their future involvement and valid contributions. It is also noteworthy to thank the previous Editorial Team and in particular my predecessor Dr Margrit Meier (Editor) and her Associate Editors Dr Deirdre Desmond, Dr Laurence Kenney, and Dr Dick Plattenburg for their commitment and hard work.
One of my goals for Prosthetics and Orthotics International is to embrace the success of my predecessors and to provide a wider scope of issues that influence clinical and professional practice. One of these initiatives focuses on the extension of the ‘Technical Note’ to a ‘Clinical Note’ and the other focuses on the ‘Expert Clinical Viewpoint’. This latter approach is based on a ‘current concept’ theme that is written by leaders in the fields of rehabilitation and orthopaedics and other health-related professions. I am in no doubt that there will be some readers who may be cautious of the changes that have been made to the journal − in terms of looks and content. Perhaps it is worth remembering that the eyes process only 10% of the information we see, with the remainder fabricated by the brain. I therefore hope that with time, you will appreciate the changes made. The clinical relevance which is now presented within all articles aims to provide clinical emphasis without losing scientific impact and evidence. It is therefore hoped that this will appeal to the clinician, academic, and researcher.
It is my privilege to become and serve as Editor-in-Chief for Prosthetics and Orthotics International and I look forward to a productive and fruitful tenure. If you have any suggestions, please do get in touch.